By Chip Byteley
In a revelation that has rocked avocado toast aficionados to their core, a recent study has unveiled a staggering truth: a significant number of millennials were under the impression that retirement was merely the latest Instagram filter, rather than an essential financial goal requiring years of savings and investments.
The study, conducted by the Institute of Obvious Things You’d Think Everyone Knew, surveyed 10,000 millennials and found that 65% believed “Retirement” was a filter that gave their photos a relaxed, golden-hued vibe, indicative of endless leisure and freedom. “I always used the Retirement filter on my brunch pics,” shared 29-year-old influencer, Kaylie McSpendalot. “I thought that was all it took to prepare for my future.”
The shocking discovery has prompted a wave of realization among the generation known for pioneering the gig economy and making “side hustles” a household term. “You mean to tell me that posting photos with the #RetirementGoals hashtag isn’t the same as opening a 401(k)?” asked an incredulous Chad Banknever, a freelance digital nomad who specializes in underwater basket weaving content.
Financial experts have seized this educational opportunity to remind everyone that retirement planning involves more than selecting the right filter or hashtag. “Retirement requires actual money, like, in a savings account or investment portfolio,” stated finance guru Penny Wise. “It’s crucial to start planning early, and no, buying cryptocurrency because a celebrity tweeted about it doesn’t count.”
In response to this widespread misunderstanding, several financial institutions have launched campaigns aiming to educate millennials on the basics of financial planning. These initiatives include workshops titled “Beyond the Filter: Understanding Retirement” and “IRAs: Not a New Vegan Snack.”
Social media platforms have also responded to the findings, with Instagram announcing a new series of finance-themed filters such as “Budgeting Bliss,” “Savings Glow,” and “Investment Chic” to raise awareness about financial health in a language millennials understand.
As this generation confronts the reality of retirement planning, there’s a renewed interest in financial literacy. “I guess it’s time to swap my latte art posts for some budget spreadsheets,” McSpendalot mused. “Who knew adulthood required actual planning?”
The revelation has sparked a crucial conversation about the need for financial education in the digital age, proving once again that while social media can filter reality, it can’t filter the future.
Liv N. Large 
Polly Tickle